The Detroit Lions got dealt some shocking news late Monday morning. All-Pro center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement via an Instagram post.
Ragnow said, "These past couple of months have been very trying as I've come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I'm officially retiring from the NFL. I've tried to convince myself that I'm feeling good, but I'm not, and it's time to prioritize my health and my family's future." He added," I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don't. I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life. The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can't emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all."
Following this announcement, Colton Pouncy of the Athletic added that Ragnow did not attend OTAs last Friday and was not listed on the limited or will not practice list that Dan Campbell provided. So, while no one could have predicted Ragnow would retire, signs were there of the pending decision.
That said, Ragnow’s sudden retirement leaves a massive void at center, which is a position the Lions cannot afford to gamble with as they pursue a Super Bowl in 2025. While rookie Tate Ratledge is being cross-trained at center and veteran Graham Glasgow has experience at the position, neither is a reliable replacement for the former All-Pro in 2025.
That’s why general manager Brad Holmes must explore the trade market—and the first call should be to the Carolina Panthers.
Lions Should Inquire About a Panthers Center Following Frank Ragnow's Retirement
The #Panthers have three players who have proven they can start at center and all three cost less than $5 million fwiw. https://t.co/dUlUEgEy9b
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) June 2, 2025
According to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer, the Panthers have three viable starting centers. With Carolina still needing to rebuild, it makes sense to part ways with one of these centers for draft capital. Detroit, meanwhile, needs stability in the middle of its offensive line—something neither Ratledge nor Glasgow can guarantee.
The most intriguing trade target is 26-year-old Cade Mays. Though both he and Austin Corbett have taken reps at center, Mays looked like the more promising option in 2024.
According to PFF, Mays recorded a 74.9 (9th among 64 centers) pass blocking grade, a 66.8 run blocking(21st among 64 centers) grade, and a 66.1 overall grade(19th among 64 centers) in 2024. Whereas Corbett recorded a 64.7 pass blocking grade (29th among 64 centers), a 59.3 run blocking grade (39th among 64 centers), and a 62.2 overall grade (32nd among 64 centers).
While it may take a bit more to acquire Mays since he's younger and played better, it does seem like his run and pass blocking fit Detroit better than Corbett's. Therefore, it would be smart for general manager Brad Holmes to be on the phone calling Carolina about Mays.
Nevertheless, Detroit is most likely to stick with the original plan and see what Ratledge could do at center in his rookie year.